Canon printers are trusted for their print quality and durability, but like any device, they are not immune to errors. One of the most frustrating issues users face is the Canon printer error in state problem. This error usually occurs when the printer is unable to process commands correctly or communicate with the connected device. If you see “Error in State” on your Windows or Mac system, it means your printer has encountered a software, hardware, or connection-related issue that needs attention.
This guide will help you understand the causes of the error and provide effective troubleshooting solutions to restore your Canon printer back to normal functionality.
The Canon printer error in state message typically indicates that your printer cannot complete a print job due to technical issues. This can occur whether your printer is connected through Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet. While the error may seem complicated, it usually stems from driver problems, outdated firmware, incorrect settings, or simple connectivity glitches.
Several factors may trigger this canon printer error in state issue. The most common causes include:
Outdated or corrupted printer drivers.
Printer set to offline mode in system settings.
Issues with print spooler service in Windows.
Connectivity problems such as faulty USB or unstable Wi-Fi.
Pending or stuck print jobs in the queue.
Firmware bugs or misconfigured printer settings.
Low ink, empty cartridges, or paper jams.
Identifying the root cause helps in applying the right troubleshooting method.
Before moving on to advanced fixes, perform some quick checks:
Ensure your Canon printer is turned on and has no error codes on the display.
Check ink and paper supply. Replace cartridges if empty.
Make sure the printer is properly connected via Wi-Fi or USB.
Restart both your computer and printer to clear temporary glitches.
If the error persists, proceed with the solutions below.
Windows users frequently encounter this error, and it can often be fixed with adjustments in settings and drivers.
Outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the leading causes of this error.
Go to Device Manager on your computer.
Locate your Canon printer under Printers.
Right-click and choose Update Driver.
If updating fails, uninstall the driver and download the latest version from the official Canon support site.
Sometimes the error appears when another device is set as the default printer.
Open Control Panel > Devices and Printers.
Right-click your Canon printer and select Set as Default Printer.
The print spooler manages print jobs. If it’s stuck, errors may appear.
Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Locate Print Spooler, right-click, and select Restart.
Pending or corrupted jobs can cause state errors.
Open your Canon printer in Devices and Printers.
Cancel all pending jobs to reset the queue.
On macOS, the error often comes from driver conflicts or printing system issues.
Go to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Printers & Scanners.
Right-click on the printer list and select Reset Printing System.
Add your Canon printer again.
Download the latest macOS-compatible drivers from Canon’s official support page. If not available, you can use AirPrint for wireless printing without additional drivers.
Ensure your Canon printer is selected as the default printer in the Printers & Scanners menu.
Sometimes, the problem is not in your computer but in the printer itself.
Check Ink/Toner Cartridges: Replace low or empty cartridges.
Resolve Paper Jams: Open trays and remove jammed paper carefully.
Reconnect Wi-Fi: Use the Wireless LAN setup option and ensure you’re on the correct Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz preferred).
Assign Static IP: Prevent frequent disconnections by assigning a fixed IP address to your printer from the router settings.
If the above fixes don’t work, try these advanced solutions:
Update Printer Firmware: Canon regularly releases firmware updates to fix known issues.
Factory Reset: Resetting the printer clears misconfigurations.
Disable Firewall/Antivirus Temporarily: Security software can block printer communication. Add your Canon printer as an exception.
Test with USB Cable: If Wi-Fi causes issues, try printing with a USB connection to confirm hardware functionality.
To avoid facing this error in the future, follow these preventive steps:
Regularly update printer drivers and firmware.
Keep your printer connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Perform routine maintenance such as nozzle cleaning.
Use genuine Canon ink and toner cartridges.
Restart your printer and router occasionally to refresh connections.
Why does my Canon printer show “Error in State”?
It usually means there’s a driver, spooler, or connection issue preventing your computer from communicating with the printer.
Can outdated drivers cause this error?
Yes, outdated or corrupted drivers are one of the most common reasons for this problem.
Does resetting the printer fix the error?
In many cases, yes. A factory reset clears corrupted settings and restores default configurations.
Is this a hardware issue?
Not always. Most of the time, it’s a software or connection-related error, but low ink, jams, or faulty cables may also trigger it.
The Canon printer error in state may look intimidating, but it can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. Whether the problem is caused by drivers, spooler issues, or network glitches, the solutions above will help bring your Canon printer back online. By updating drivers, resetting printing systems, and maintaining proper connections, you can ensure smooth and uninterrupted printing in the future.